Propagating Comfrey

[stv]

I have been given some comfrey root cuttings and wondered what the best method would be to ensure healthy growth.
I dont even know which way up to place the root pieces!

Steve

[bluemoon]

If you look at the roots there should be small knobbly bits protruding, these are the coming season's shoots so plant them with these in a vaguely upward facing direction. I'd start them off in large individual pots for now, then plant them out in May. Choose the planting site carefully as they'll be impossible to remove once established, ensure the site is weed free, dig in some well rotted manure or compost and keep them well watered for the first year or so - after which, unless there's a persistent drought, you can pretty much forget them.

[smallblueplanet]

stv make sure the comfrey you've been given is 'Bocking 14' type, if you plant ordinary comfrey it can become somewhat of a nuisance.

[Aindriu]

Comfrey is pretty easy to grow If you're not sure which end is which lay the roots in shallow trays just covered with compost when the leaves show pot them on . I'd plant out about end of March early April good rich ground I feed mine with seweed extract after every cutting and mulch once a year with well rotted compost.

You dont say how many cutting you have but once established easy to take slips from the edge of the clump and get some more plants

[NSB]

I got some bocking 14 from ebay, I didnt have a clue what way up they went so I put them in a mesh bin and just covered them up and they have started to sprout now.